Before arriving in Aussie I was curious to see how much I could earn in my normal profession here, and rather randomly applied for a job... was offered an interview (!!!).
So here I am heading to Goolwa for an interview, and then of course to explore.
I only wish my Landy was already set up for camping, but at this point it is only day 3 in Aussie & therefore the truck isn't ready for camping.
18 Dec and lots of Xmas decorations.
In the rural communities on the back roads I came across lots of these fella's in various poses, however I thought this one was a good representation of an Aussie Xmas.
Sights from downtown Goolwa.
This little video gives you a snapshot of the area and my trip.
After Goolwa I headed over the bridge to Hindmarsh Island, to the mouth of the Murray River.
After visiting the mouth of the Murray River I headed back along the coast towards Victor.
The marine park is a nursery for Southern Right Whales and is beautiful.
Some useful information and links
Southern Right Whale facts
Length Adults: 14m to 18m;
Calves: 5m to 6m at birth
Weight Adults: up to 80 tonnes;
Calves: 1 to 1.5 tonnes at birth
Gestation: 11 to 12 months
Weaning age: 11 to 12 months
Calving interval: generally 3 years
Physical maturity age: unknown;
Length: 16m
Sexual maturity age: 9 to 10 years
Length: 12m to 13m
Mating season: July to August
Calving season: June to August
Cruising speed: 3km/h
Blow pattern: V-shaped bushy blow, up to 5m
Protected since 1935
Southern Right Whales (SRW) visit Australia each winter between May and November, traversing an incredible 3-5,000 km to congregate in local waters that are warmer than their summer feeding grounds in the sub-Antarctic.
They also congregate off the southern coasts of South Africa, South America and New Zealand during this time.
In South Australia, whales have been known to frequent Encounter Bay each year. Southern Right Whales congregate in these areas to give birth, nurse their young, mate and to socialise. This annual migration to South Australia is a key part of the whales’ breeding cycle.
Females and their calves may reside in nursery areas for to 3-4 months.
During this time the mothers are unable to feed on krill and plankton that thrive in the frigid waters of the sub-antarctic. Thus, it is important that whales have the opportunity to rest during this time, both to conserve energy and to care for their young.
Did you know:
They get their name because they were the 'right' whale to catch: they were slow-swimming, floated when dead, and provided large amounts of valuable products – particularly oil for illumination and lubrication.
A sad reflection of our past, in my opinion.
View looking back down over Victor Harbour towards the mouth of the Murray River.
Highly recommended trip.
Take your swimsuit, sunhat, surfboard, binoculars and enjoy.
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